We have previously developed a hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel that delivered heparin nanoparticles alone to reduce glial reactivity and heparin nanoparticles with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) bound to their surface to promote angiogenesis. However the inclusion of the naked heparin nanoparticles warranted concern over the development of bleeding complications. In this dataset we explore how HA-based microporous annealed particle (MAP) scaffolds functionalized with VEGF coated heparin nanoparticles can both reduce glial reactivity and promote angiogenesis - without the inclusion of free heparin nanoparticles. We show that our updated design successfully promotes de novo tissue formation including the development of mature vessels and neurite sprouting and leads to functional improvement in a photothrombotic stroke model. In addition we find increased astrocyte infiltration into the infarct site correlated with mature vessel formation. This work demonstrates how our biomaterial design can enhance endogenous regeneration post-stroke while eliminating the need for excess heparin.
The dataset included here contains the data needed to recreate the figures in our published article.
The dataset included here contains the data needed to recreate the figures in our published article.